For the smile of a child

— by Paul Wadey, 24.08.2006

In pursuit of a child’s radiant beam,

With artful brush, I’d recast the sphere:

In vibrant tints of a dreamer’s dream,

Transforming dread to whimsy sheer.

For the smile of a child, that treasure so wild.

With hands, scarred yet firm and tender,

I’d forge a haven from ruins of yore,

Shifting stones of past surrender,

Creating sanctum from the core.

For the smile of a child, a vision beguiled.

In mythic mazes, I’d dare to tread,

Bargaining with beasts of lore untold,

To filch from caverns, dark and dread,

Relics guarded by hounds threefold.

For the smile of a child, so innocent and mild.

In solitude’s embrace, love did bloom,

Naive of worldly speech and guile,

Gifts I gave, dispelling gloom,

All for a fleeting, cherubic smile.

For the smile of my child, in dreams compiled.

Till final breath, thy visage I’ll muse,

Steadfast, yet fearing such fond fixation,

In memory’s blood, your essence infused,

Beyond life’s transient, mortal station.

For the smile of a child, in heart’s archive filed.